Stingy defense helps Rhode Island beat Villanova 20-6

Stingy defense helps Rhode Island beat Villanova 20-6

Nov. 11, 2017

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — JaJuan Lawson threw for a touchdown and ran for another, the Rhode Island defense set a single-season record for sacks, and the Rams beat Villanova 20-6 on Saturday.

After trading first-quarter field goals, Lawson scored the go-ahead TD on a 6-yard run after getting favorable field position from a defense that had three first-half sacks for a school record 30 so far this season.

Rhode Island (3-7, 2-5 Colonial Athletic Association) gained 416 total yards and held the Wildcats to 171 yards, including one yard rushing, and forced three fumbles.

Marven Beauvais scored on a 71-yard pass from Lawson in the third and had a career-high 152 yards on six catches. Lawson was 25-for-35 for 336 passing yards. C.J. Carrick kicked two field goals.